Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings

Description: There’s something magical about the combination of sweet potatoes and pineapple that brings back memories of family gatherings and sunny afternoons. These delightful donut rings are a fun twist on a classic dessert that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar, glaze (recipe follows), toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, pineapple chunks, sweet potato crisps

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: The key to perfectly textured donut rings is using properly prepared sweet potatoes. Start by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes. You can cook them in a few ways: steaming, boiling, or baking. For the best flavor, I recommend baking them until they’re fork-tender. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then mash them until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps, as this will affect the texture of your donuts. Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to cool completely before incorporating them into the batter.

Step 2: Drain the Pineapple: Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple. Excess moisture can lead to soggy donut rings. Place the crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh sieve and press out as much juice as possible. You can even use a clean kitchen towel to gently squeeze out any remaining liquid. Set aside the drained pineapple for later use.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your donut pan by greasing it generously with cooking spray or butter. Then, lightly dust it with flour. This will ensure that your donut rings release easily after baking. Tap out any excess flour. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, though the shape will be different.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, drained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which will help the donuts rise properly and have a consistent texture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be very careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense donut rings. Mix until the dry ingredients are just moistened. A few lumps are okay.

Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each ring about 2/3 full. This will allow the donuts to rise properly without overflowing. If you’re using a piping bag, it can help to create a cleaner and more even fill.

Step 8: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donut rings should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 9: Cool and Release: Let the donut rings cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Once cooled, you can decorate them with your favorite toppings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is a comforting hug in donut form. The combination of sweet potato and pineapple creates a unique flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. These donut rings are incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the sweet potatoes and pineapple. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful snack, or a simple dessert. Plus, they’re relatively easy to make and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste. You’ll love the nostalgic flavors and the satisfying texture of these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or pineapple juice.
Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for added texture.
Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or sweet potato crisps for a more elaborate presentation.
Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete treat.
For a dessert option, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch of warmth.

Tips:

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts.
Ensure your pineapple is well-drained to prevent soggy donuts.
Bake the donuts until they are just cooked through to keep them moist.
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of vegetable oil.
Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to customize the flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15-18 minutes Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.) Calories: Approximately 250-300 per donut ring Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams per donut ring Sodium: Approximately 150-200 milligrams per donut ring

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of sweet potato and the tropical tang of pineapple. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a simple dessert, these donut rings are sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible donut rings. Enjoy the sweet, nostalgic flavors and the joy of sharing them with family and friends.

Questions and Answers about This Recipe

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh sweet potatoes?

A: Yes, you can use canned sweet potato puree as a substitute for fresh sweet potatoes. Make sure to use 100% sweet potato puree without any added sugar or spices. Drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe. However, keep in mind that fresh sweet potatoes will provide a slightly better flavor and texture to the donut rings.

Q2: What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I use a muffin tin instead?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick. The resulting donut rings will have a different shape, but they will still taste delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings?

A: Yes, you can freeze these donut rings for longer storage. Allow the donut rings to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or add xanthan gum separately to the batter to help bind the ingredients together. The texture of the gluten-free donut rings may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

Q5: What are some other toppings I can use for these donut rings?

A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings! Here are a few more ideas: